Where they’re looking

A few years ago, I sang the Star-Spangled Banner at an event. It was my first time singing the national anthem, and I was nervous.

Leading up to the event — aside from worrying about the vocal performance itself — I had some things on my mind. What I would wear. How I would look. What I would do with my hands. What my eyes would do.

I was overthinking it.

When the moment came, I stood behind home plate, and with microphone in hand, I began to sing. To my relief (and instant clarity) everyone turned away from me to look at the flag.

Of course.

They were looking the same place I was looking. And for this kind of song, and this kind of venue, it’s exactly what I should have anticipated.

Sure, they were listening, but no one was focused on me. I wasn’t focused on me either.

For all of us, it was something bigger.

Rightly so.